Udon Thani (อุดรธานี, also Udorn Thanee) is a city in the Isaan (Northeastern) region of Thailand. Often referred to as simply Udon or Udorn (อุดร), the city should not be confused with UbonUbon Ratchathani in southeastern Isaan. It is approximately 450 km (280 mi) northeast of Bangkok, and is the Capital City of the Province of this name.

Founded in the 1890s by Prince Prajak Silapakom, Udon Thani, with a population of about 230,000, is the 4th largest city in Thailand.

Udon was home to a major USAF airbase during the Vietnam War that increased its wealth and importance. Surrounded by one of the major agricultural areas of the country, Udon Thani has become a regional hub for agriculture, commercial distribution, shopping and a fledgling tourism industry.

Because of the U.S. presence (the airbase until 1976, a consulate until 1995, and, now, a Voice of America station) many Thais were well-paid and learned English, making them more marketable to foreign labour recruiters. Udon has a large number of its citizens who have or are working overseas, particularly in Middle East oilfields. This has contributed both to the wealth of the area and its desirability as an expat destination. More than 5,000 expats from Europe, Australia, and North America have settled in the area.

To get to town there is a "limousine service" (actually a minibus) for 80 baht/person that will drop you and other passengers to the place of your choice. If there are more than 2 of you, it may be cheaper to call a taxi (☎ +66 42 323239). Minibus tickets are available in the booth just to the right before you leave the terminal building. Taxis are not permitted to wait for passengers at the airport. Some of the hotels have pick-up service and may take an extra rider or two as space permits.

There are now two bus stations in the city. Bus station #1 is in the city centre, near Central Plaza, a large mall, and a more active area. Another is in the outskirts of town on the road in from Loei towards Nong Khai (bus station #2).

From Nong Khai, there is a bus station on Prajak Rd which has buses that go to both Udon stations. They are close in price, but they go to very different areas of Udon: 40 baht to station 1 (not preferred). Old bus, no A/C, far from the city centre, and it makes many stops. 45 baht on a newer, first class bus to station 2 is preferred.

If you end up at station 1 and want to go to station 2, there is a songthaew for 10 baht (it may be slow as it picks up other riders) or you can catch a tuk-tuk into town for around 80 baht. But you have to flag down the songthaew #6 or 7 on the main street, not in the bus station 1 (October 2014).

Buses from Bangkok (Mo Chit), an 8-hour journey, arrive at the BKS station in the city.

Regular busses go from Vientiane to Udon Thani at the bus station in Vientiane at 08:00, 09:00, 10:30, 11:30, 14:00, 15:00, 16:30 and 18:00 and kost 22000 Kip. Best buy your bus ticket a day in advance because the busses are sold out quickly (3 hours or more before departure). The alternative to go from Vientiane to Udon Thani is a minibus with air condition for 130000 Kip (price negotiable) to the Friendship Bridge at Nong Khai and from there with another minibus to Udon Thani (300-1000 Baht, price negotiable).

Daily trains go to Nong Khai and over the Friendship Bridge across the Mekong River to Laos. There are also frequent trains to Nakhon Ratchasima and Bangkok. The overnight express sleeper to Bangkok is scheduled for 9.25 hours but usually takes longer. Nevertheless, it is still quite comfortable and pleasant, especially when taken in a sleeping berth or compartment. A daytime express railcar to Bangkok traverses a causeway over the large and scenic artificial lake created by the Pa Sak Jolasid Dam (in Lopburi Province). Connections to the major centres of Southern Isaan (Buriram, Surin, Si Saket and Ubon Ratchathani) can be made in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) for those who like to travel by rail.

In all, there are daily daytime trains, and three daily nighttime trains from Bangkok to Udon Thani and vice versa (most of which normally originate or terminate at Nong Khai), and several local trains to other destinations, including Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat).

Navigation around Udon Thani is made easier by three large roundabouts on the central road, Hwy 2: the clock circle, the fountain circle, and the Prince Prajak Circle. It's also possible to orient yourself with Central Plaza, city centre, or Nong Prajak Park. There is a bypass road that goes around the city.

Tuk-tuks, three-wheeled motorcycles, are readily available in most commercial areas. Negotiate a price before taking the ride. Note that in Udon Thani the locally made vehicles (called skylabs) differ from those in most of Thailand outside Isaan in that their fronts are adapted motorcycles. If you travel to Laos, you will see such vehicles (called jumbos) there, also.

Udon has a variety of sights, both in the city and the province, although most visitors make a beeline for Laos or the bronze age excavations east of Udon at Ban Chiang.

Ban Nakha, 15 km north of Udon along Rt 2. A village famous for selling home-woven silk and cotton garments. It is somewhat commercialized but a walk back from the road into the village can net some great bargains on silk and cotton.

The Ban Chiang archaeological dig is a UNESCO World Heritage site about 35 km east of Udon. Both buses and inter-village songthaews will drop you off at the Ban Chiang turn-off.

Nong Bua. Another park with a lake just to the east of the railway line. It is noted for its Chinese pagodas over the lake and the dragon pole.

Nong Prajack Park. A large recreational area within the city and the primary site for locals to exercise and chill out. Consisting of a large lake/reservoir with several small islands, it features pleasant grass areas and activities such as nightly aerobics (to Thai pop music) and feeding bread crumbs to the fish. For the more active, it's also popular for jogging around the outside of the lake.

Phu Foi Lom Eco-Park, 40 km southwest of Udon, located high on a ridge line. Numerous trails and rainy season water falls are within the park. South of Udon is a large wetlands area/lake called Khumpawapi. In the October timeframe, traditional dragon boat races are held on the lake. Within Khumpahawapi is a city park with a large troupe of monkeys that have been living there for over a hundred years.

Phu Phrabat National Park, 60 km northwest of Udon near the Amphoe of Ban Phue. A marvellous ridge line with numerous sandstone edifices several thousand years old. Bronze age cave paintings are also within the park.

Phu Phra Bat Historical Park is located near Ban Phu and is one of the most famous and beautiful attractions in Thailand. This historical park dates back more than three thousand years and contains large and mysterious rock formations. Transport to Phu Phra Bat is available in the form of motorbike, car, or bus and can take a day to travel and experience it. It is also possible to stay overnight at Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, and this is highly recommended.

Phu Phra Bat was opened to the public in 1989 and is maintained by the Fine Arts Department of Thailand. Phu Phra Bat is known to be a very spiritual and peaceful environment and is a must-see for every tourist, whether it be a day-trip or an overnight stay.

The tale of Nang Usa, is a famous piece of Thai folklore which relates directly to the park. It is the legend of a young girl, sort after for her beauty, who is forced to live here with an old hermit for her protection. She is wooed by the young and handsome Tao Barot, but their relationship is cursed. A fascinating aspect of the legend is that it alludes to the rivalry between the Hindu and Buddhist cultures that once lived side by side in this region.

Udon Sunshine Orchid Farm. Famous for a variety of orchids, orchid derived perfumes, and plants that "dance to music".

Udon Thani Provincial Museum. Excellent range of displays of the archaeological and historical past, plus geology and folk history. The museum is housed in an interesting somewhat elderly building, which was originally a girl's school. Entry by donation. Prosri Rd, in the government centre. As of 24th February 2014 the museum is closed for one year due to renovation.

Street vendors abound throughout the city. Satay, noodle soup (beef, pork, chicken, and duck are common), pad Thai, som tam, grilled chicken, meat on a stick, various sweets and rice dishes are available at nearly all times.

The fresh fruit market located on the corner of Udon Dutsadi and Phonpisai Rd also offers some interesting food for those wanting to try traditional Thai food.

Udon Thani has a large range of buffet restaurants including Korean-style, cook-it-yourself BBQs in a raised dish over a charcoal burner in the centre of your table. There is one located about 2 km north of the ring road on Mittraphap Rd with great food and helpful staff, just make sure you have the number of a tuk-tuk for the return journey.

All of the shopping and strip malls have food courts and many have restaurants.

There are many Thai restaurants throughout the city. Some are small and specialize in a few dishes while others are large and have extensive menus, although sometimes only in Thai.

Western, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese food is also available.

The Pannavadee Restaurant, 19/8 Sampantamit Rd. (Next to The Pannarai Hotel). International food and drinkedit

Udon Thani has a variety of karaoke bars, beer bars, and Western bars. The area between Central Plaza and the railroad station houses some of these. Bar names and ownership are fluid, particularly for Western bars.

Many of the hotels in town have lively nightlife with restaurants and music.

There are many hotels in town. Prices vary, and as with most things, you get what you pay for. Rates can range from 200 to 2,000 baht or more per night. Apartment rentals from 1,800 baht/month. Private pool villas can be rented for catered stays of two nights or more.

Charoen Hotel, 549 Phosri Rd. 250 standard rooms, 3 superior rooms, and 2 suites, on a 10-acre plot surrounded by gardens and beautifully landscaped with swimming pools. It is only a few hundred metres to the southwest of the central bus station.From 950 baht. edit

Tanita (Lagoon) Resort, 113 Baan Nong Huaw Mue, Nadee (2 km from airport), ☎+66 81 8846334, [8]. Nine standard air-conditioned rooms in big area surrounded by a nice lagoon and beautiful gardens. Wi-Fi. The resort is equipped with a Thai restaurant and also provides Western breakfast. The very friendly owners provide transportation to the centre or to the sights around Udon Thani. Hotel owners speak enough English to communicate well.edit

Out-of-town

Gecko Villa (Thailand pool villa), Um Chan, Prajak Sinlaphakhom (free transfers from Udon Thani are included), ☎+66 81 9180500, [9]. checkin: flexible; checkout: flexible. A private pool, 3 bedroom villa offering full board stays, set among its own rice paddies in a tranquil setting away from the crowds. Accommodates up to 6 guests. Stays at the villa include complimentary transfers from Udon Thani, Wi-Fi, laundry and maid services, and all meals taken at the villa. 6,800 baht. (17.251349,103.038143)edit

Green Gecko (traditional Thai private pool villa), Um Chan, Prajak Sinlaphakhom (complimentary transfers from UTH airport), ☎+66 81 9180500, [10]. checkin: flexible; checkout: flexible. Green Gecko is a Thai villa built in the traditional style, raised on stilts and centred around a large hardwood deck and the villa's own, very private swimming pool. The villa nestles among plantations, woods and rice paddies in a tranquil countryside setting, and offers fully catered vacations. Green Gecko features two air-conditioned king bedrooms, each with a private en suite bathroom, a large living and dining room, a fully-equipped kitchen, satellite TV, Wi-Fi, and an open air "sala" for al fresco dining by the private pool.7,900 baht. (17.25033,103.03802)edit

Paradise Hotel. Staff are friendly, but only speak a little English. Fan rooms with double bed cost 200 baht, but smells a bit funny. Includes two bottles of water per day and maps of the city. has this hotel closed permanently?. Can not find it200+ baht. edit

Rice Paddy Villa, (25 minutes from Udon Thani, from where complimentary transfers are offered), [11]. checkin: flexible; checkout: flexible. Looking directly over the surrounding rice fields, has a swimming pool and sleeps two to four guests. Finished in Thai-style with modern conveniences.edit

Asia BackPackers Udon Thani (Udon BackPackers), 299/5 Prajak Road, Amphoe: Munag, Province: Udonthani 41000 (See web site), ☎042242959, [13]. checkin: noon; checkout: noon. Opened in 2014 The only true hostel in the city centrally located within walking distance of both the train and bus stations. Hostel has its own bar and common areas, AC and en suite in all rooms, choice of dorms, single rooms to apartmentsfrom 185 baht. (17.403706,102.801596)edit

Nong Khai (หนองคาย) is well-worth a visit. Things to do there include a famous Sculpture Park, the Taa Sadej Market, and the river front festival every Saturday known as Walking Street. To get there, take a bus from either bus station in Udon: the older one inside the city (better choice) or the newer one a few kilometres distant. As at Aug 2014, there were no buses noted to here at either bus terminal. There were regular minibuses from both however, costing B50.

NOTE: For the direct buses to Vientiane and Vang Vieng, you MUST have a valid visa for Laos in advance if your nationality requires a visa to enter Laos. If you do not have a visa and you require one, the buses will not sell you a ticket or wait for you at the border for a Visa-on-Arrival to be processed. This is true even if you can get a Lao visa on arrival at the Friendship Bridge. Their rule is "No Visa, No Ticket". Tickets can only be purchased the day of travel. You also must go to the bus station and buy your ticket in person along with showing a valid passport and valid Laos visa.

Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is about one and a half hours away across the Mekong. There are six express buses a day direct to the Morning Market in Vientiane (80 baht, 2 hours, air-con 1st class departures at 08:00, 10:30, 11:30, 14:00, 16:00, and 18:00). These cross-border buses will carry passengers who have not obtained their Lao visas in advance, but may NOT wait long enough at the border for a visa on arrival to be applied for and issued. This isn't a problem when the queues are short, but at busy times passengers who don't already have their visas may be left behind and have to continue by local bus or tuk-tuk. Alternatively you can take a minibus from the airport in Udon Thani (directly on the right-hand side next to the exit of the airport) to the Friendship Bridge for 200 Baht. Fill out the leaving forms for Thailand there and buy a bus ticket for 20 Baht to the other side of the bridge. Arrived there you may apply for a visa (photo 2x3 cm and up to US$ 40 required, depending on your country of origin!). The staff is very friendly and helpful and there are free toilets. You need another US$ to pass the barrier to be officially in Laos. From there you may take a tuk-tuk, bus, minibus or taxi to Vientiane. You should calculate at least 30-60 minutes for the border formalities, depending on the length of the queues and the availability of pens. Bring your own pen to save some time.

Vang Vieng, A direct bus is available from the main Udon Thani bus station (Bus Station 1, near Central Plaza). The bus leaves Udon at 7 am and takes approximately 7 hours to reach Vang Vieng. This bus can also be boarded at Nong Khai (830 am departure). The one-way fare from Udon to Vang Vieng is 320 baht.

Kalasin - Minibuses go from the in town bus station every 30 minutes from 7.30am. Takes three hours and winds around the countryside in the process. Cost B160.

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